Guide to Examination Success - LCCI International Qualifications

Practical exam tips
Revision
Revision is important for examination success. There are different techniques to help
you revise – mind maps, acronyms, flash cards, etc – find the technique that works for
you. Don’t forget to use past and sample papers – however, don’t fall into the trap of
revising only what has been tested before.
Before the
exam
The night
before
Arriving at
the exam
room
The exam
paper
Question
timing
Obey the
examination
rules
Check your
answers
General tips
Make sure that you are properly registered for the exam. Check the time, date and place
of the exam. If you are not sure of location, visit before the date of the exam.
Have an early night – don’t try to study any completely new material; instead use the
time for a general overview. Gather the things you will need for the next day – don’t
forget your ID if this is a requirement in your country!
Get to the location on time. Settle in as quickly as possible and avoid distractions and
have all the necessary tools ready.
Check the instructions and directions on the exam paper – confirm that the format is
what you expect. Read the entire paper and identify the questions you prefer to answer,
if you are given a choice. Put an ‘X’ against those you prefer not to answer or cannot
answer. Quickly write down ideas for answers as they come to you so you don’t forget
them later.
When deciding which questions to do first, it is better to start with your favourite topic
– this will make you more confident. However, if you prefer, you may start with the more
difficult question and save your favourite for later – go with what works best for you.
Plan how long you will spend on a question based on the number of questions you need
to complete and the total examination time and keep checking on this. Don’t spend too
long on multiple choice questions – if you cannot answer the question come back to it
later and have a guess if you really don’t know.
Never omit an entire question – no matter how well you answer other questions,
you must leave time for all questions. If you write nothing, you cannot be awarded
any marks for that question – writing something may at least give you a few marks.
Remember your command words – do not waste time writing what isn’t necessary!
These will be read to you before the examination starts. Follow all instructions for
completing the front cover of your booklet.
Spend the last few minutes checking your answers for any mistakes and any omissions.
Write as clearly as possible – the examiner will be pleased if your script is well written
and easy to understand. If you have to correct answers do it neatly. Don’t look for
‘hidden traps’ that don’t exist – the examiner is not trying to trick you! All the examiner
wants you to do is ‘just answer the question’!
All the best!
LCCI/examsuccess/0809
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